difference between this->method() and method()

nacho4d · 11-21-2009, 03:00 AM

Hi,
I would like to know what is the difference between

Code:

this->method()

and the simple

Code:

method()

I found that both compile and seems to be ok, but I suppose there should be a difference.

Thanks in advance

**laserlight** · 11-21-2009, 03:07 AM

Assuming that member is a member function and the call is from within a member function of the class, they are usually equivalent, but the former can be useful if disambiguation of names is needed, or in another related case: Why am I getting errors when my template-derived-class uses a member it inherits from its template-base-class?

nacho4d · 11-21-2009, 04:15 AM

Thanks LaserLight,
So a good idea would be to use "this->method()" everytime if possible? (when calling members)

**laserlight** · 11-21-2009, 04:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nacho4d

So a good idea would be to use "this->method()" everytime if possible? (when calling members)

In my opinion, no, since it is usually just clutter.

scwizzo · 11-21-2009, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nacho4d

Thanks LaserLight,
So a good idea would be to use "this->method()" everytime if possible? (when calling members)

Quote:

Originally Posted by laserlight

...but the former can be useful if disambiguation of names is needed...

I believe what laser light means by this is something similar to the following.

Code:

class foo
{
private:
    int milliseconds;
public:
    void time(int);
};

void foo::time(int milliseconds)
{
    this->milliseconds = milliseconds; // versus saying 'milliseconds = milliseconds'
}

Daved · 11-21-2009, 01:55 PM

>> In my opinion, no, since it is usually just clutter.

I agree. In fact, if you don't use this-> unless it is necessary, it helps make it clearer that it is necessary if you ever do use it.

abachler · 11-21-2009, 03:54 PM

I use it every time, but hen I prefer my code to be clear and concise and easily maintainable. If you leave this-> out, you may regret it some day when you make changes that make it necessary and you have to track through 1000 lines of code to find the problem.

iMalc · 11-21-2009, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daved

>> In my opinion, no, since it is usually just clutter.

I agree. In fact, if you don't use this-> unless it is necessary, it helps make it clearer that it is necessary if you ever do use it.

E.g.

Code:

foo(a, b, c);

vs

Code:

foo(this->a, this->b, this->c);

etc...

You wont catch me putting tons of redundant clutter in there!

11-21-2009, 03:00 AM	#1
nacho4d Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: japan Posts: 120	difference between this->method() and method() Hi, I would like to know what is the difference between Code: this->method() and the simple Code: method() I found that both compile and seems to be ok, but I suppose there should be a difference. Thanks in advance __________________ Mac OS 10.6 Snow Leopard : Darwin
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11-21-2009, 03:07 AM	#2
laserlight C++ Witch Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Singapore Posts: 12,704	Assuming that member is a member function and the call is from within a member function of the class, they are usually equivalent, but the former can be useful if disambiguation of names is needed, or in another related case: Why am I getting errors when my template-derived-class uses a member it inherits from its template-base-class? __________________ C + C++ Compiler: MinGW port of GCC Build + Version Control System: SCons + Bazaar Look up a C/C++ Reference and learn How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
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11-21-2009, 04:15 AM	#3
nacho4d Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: japan Posts: 120	Thanks LaserLight, So a good idea would be to use "this->method()" everytime if possible? (when calling members) __________________ Mac OS 10.6 Snow Leopard : Darwin
nacho4d is offline

11-21-2009, 01:55 PM	#6
Daved Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 7,280	>> In my opinion, no, since it is usually just clutter. I agree. In fact, if you don't use this-> unless it is necessary, it helps make it clearer that it is necessary if you ever do use it.
Daved is offline

11-21-2009, 03:54 PM	#7
abachler Malum in se Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 3,188	I use it every time, but hen I prefer my code to be clear and concise and easily maintainable. If you leave this-> out, you may regret it some day when you make changes that make it necessary and you have to track through 1000 lines of code to find the problem. __________________ Until you can build a working general purpose reprogrammable computer out of basic components from radio shack, you are not fit to call yourself a programmer in my presence. This is cwhizard, signing off.
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